ES2347773T3 - PACKAGE THAT HAS AN INFLATED FRAME. - Google Patents

Abstract

A package for containing a product such as meat. The package includes top and bottom opposing flexible chamber sheets. These sheets are sealed together in a selected chamber seal zone to define a watertight chamber portion that is capable of containing the product. A hollow frame circumscribes the chamber portion. The frame supports the chamber portion when the frame is inflated. The need for a rigid tray may be eliminated by the inventive package.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a container having a

part

from camera for contain a product Y a frame

inflated

that surrounds the camera, Y to methods from production from

Said container.

In food packaging operations it is usual place a food product (e.g. fresh meat) in a rigid tray (e.g., an expanded polystyrene tray thermoforming that has a central depressed zone and a surrounding peripheral edge). Then it is possible to place a thermoplastic film on food and heat seal peripheral edge to tightly close the product food

However, a high percentage of packaging costs final for such packaging systems is due to cost relatively high of said trays. Additionally, there are costs and inconveniences associated with transport and storage of trays before use in containers. Furthermore, said trays increase the volume of the material of packaging waste that the consumer should take care of After opening the container. A food container without a tray which is partially supported is known from US-5137154.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses one or more of the problems mentioned above.

A container to contain a product includes some sheets of Opposite upper and lower flexible camera. These sheets are sealed together in a chamber seal zone selected to define a waterproof chamber part

It is capable of containing the product. A hollow frame circumscribe the chamber part. The frame supports the part of camera when the frame is inflated.

A packaging process includes the following stages: 1) provide a base band comprising a material in flexible sheet shape; 2) place a product on the band basic; 3) place a cover strip on the product that it comprises a flexible sheet-shaped material; 4) seal the cover band to the base band in an area of chamber seal selected to form a part of camera that encloses the product; and 5) seal the band of cover to the baseband in one or more seal areas of frame selected to form a hollow frame that circumscribes the chamber part, and adapted to support the chamber part when the frame is inflated.

By means of the container of the invention it is possible to eliminate the need for a rigid tray, so that the container can be considered "without tray".

These and other objectives, advantages and characteristics of the invention will be understood and appreciated more easily by doing reference to the detailed description of the invention and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a container of the present invention that has the frame in inflated state and a modified atmosphere in the chamber part;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of an embodiment of the container of the present invention in which the frame is interrupted by seals;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of another embodiment of the container of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a representative schematic view of a

line

from process for produce a container from the Present

invention;

the

Fig. 6 is a view in plant from a realization

additional package of the present invention in which the chamber part containing the packaged product can separate from the outer frame;

Fig. 7 is a plan view of a container of the present invention that has a frame inflation step and a chamber inflation step;

Fig. 8 is a representative sectional view of a container of the present invention having a base sheet thermoforming;

Fig. 9 is a representative sectional view of a container of the present invention having a base sheet thermoforming and a thermoforming lid sheet;

Fig. 10 is a representative sectional view of the Vacuum chamber / gas injection / sealing / inflation of Fig. 5, in the camera's open mode;

Fig. 11 is a representative sectional view of the Vacuum chamber / gas injection / sealing / inflation of Fig. 5, in the closed mode of the camera;

Fig. 12 is a representative sectional view of the Vacuum chamber / gas injection / sealing / inflation of Fig. 5, in camera part seal mode;

Fig. 13 is a representative sectional view of the Vacuum chamber / gas injection / sealing / inflation of Fig. 5, in frame seal mode;

Fig. 14 is a representative sectional view of the Vacuum chamber / gas injection / sealing / inflation of Fig. 5, in the open mode of the camera, with a container of the present shaped invention;

Fig. 15 is a representative sectional view of a thermoforming station;

Fig. 16 is a representative sectional view of another thermoforming station;

Fig. 17 is a representative schematic view of a alternative process line to produce a container of the present invention;

Fig. 18 is a representative sectional view of a preferred thermoformed base sheet suitable for manufacture of a container of the present invention;

Fig. 19 is a plan view of a base band thermoforming as shown in Fig. 18;

Figs. 20a, 20b and 20c are seen in packaging plant of the present invention equipped with different easy opening features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to Figure 1 and the sectional view of the same container of Figure 2, the package 10 comprises a chamber part 12 circumscribed by a hollow frame 14. The chamber part 12 may be, and preferably is, "sealed to water ”(that is, it does not allow leaks or permeation of water liquid unless subject to discontinuity structural) and, additionally, may be, and preferably

it is, "airtight" or "airtight" (that is, it does not allow oxygen permeation at a speed greater than 1000 cubic centimeters (at standard temperature and pressure) per square meter per day for 1 differential atmosphere of oxygen pressure, measured at a relative humidity of 0% and at 23 ° C, unless subject to discontinuity structural). The chamber part 12 is capable of containing a product 16 or is adapted for it. The chamber part 12 may include a sheet 18 of upper chamber and a sheet 20 of lower chamber, which can be juxtaposed and sealed each other in a chamber seal zone 22 to form the chamber part 12. The terminology sheets "top" e "Bottom" of the present application includes the meaning of a sheet of material folded on itself to form the upper and lower leaves.

The hollow frame 14, shown in the inflated state, circumscribes the chamber part 12. The frame 14 is adapted to support chamber part 12 when the frame 14 is inflated. The frame 14 can be inflated with any fluid material, such as liquids, fluid powders or, preferably, with gases.

The frame 14 can be in the form of a continuous tube that surrounds chamber part 12, as shown in Fig. 1,

or said continuous tube may be interrupted by one or more seals 23, as shown in Figure 3.

When frame 14 is interrupted by more than one seal, said seals create two or more cameras 25 of discontinuous frame. The advantage of having cameras discontinuous is clearly the possibility that the frame chamber can be deflated without all of the rack deflates. Preferably, in this embodiment, the seals that interrupt the frame are two or more, and

are arranged symmetrically along the frame to prevent or avoid as much as possible any distortion of the final container. Preferably, in the case of containers of substantially rectangular or square shape, such as shown in Fig. 3, said seals are placed in the corners

In a further embodiment, shown in Figure 4, said one or more seals 23 may contain cuts 123 continuous or discontinuous (toothed). The advantage of this realization consists in the possibility that the end user can easily open the container by holding the hands two edges of the frame that are separated by the cuts- seals 123 and tear them, therefore using the cut- seal as a notch. This can be done with or without the prior deflation of the frame, in the case of a single cut- seal, or of the discontinuous chambers 25 of the frame that are adjacent to the cut-off seal used as the notch of the container.

The frame 14 may include a frame sheet 26 upper and a lower frame sheet 28, which may be juxtaposed and sealed together in a seal area 30 inside the frame and in a seal area 32 outside of frame to form the frame 14.

As shown in Fig. 2, a cover sheet 34 is extends continuously from the frame to the part of camera, thereby including the upper chamber sheet 18 and the upper frame sheet 26. As also shown in Fig. 2, the base sheet 36 is continuously extended from the frame to the chamber part, including this mode bottom chamber sheet 20 and frame sheet 28 lower. The cover sheet 34 may be formed from a cover strip 38 (Fig. 5) and the base sheet 36 may be

formed from a base band 40 (Fig. 5). In the present memory, a "band" is a continuous length of roll-shaped sheet-shaped material, to difference of the same material cut in short lengths.

To support the chamber part 12 when the frame 14 is inflated, frame 14 may be fixed to the perimeter outside the chamber part 12, for example, by one or more thermal or adhesive seals, or by tape (no shown) or another mechanical joint that fixes frame 14 to the chamber part 12. For example, as shown in the Fig. 2, the frame 14 is fixed to the chamber part 12 thanks to the cover sheet 34 and the base sheet 36, which continuously extend from frame 14 to the part of chamber 12 to fix the frame 14 to the chamber part 12. Each of the cover and base sheets, or both, can extend continuously from the frame to the part of chamber to fix the frame 14 to the chamber part 12.

The inner frame 30 seal area may be coinciding with the seal zone 22 of the chamber part, such as shown in Figs. 1-2. Alternatively, the interior seal area 30 of frame can be separated of the seal part 22 of the chamber part or it can be adjacent to the precinct zone 22 of the chamber part. If the cover sheet 34 is sealed to base sheet 36 so that the interior seal area 30 of the frame is coincident with the seal part 22 of the chamber part, the frame 14 and chamber part 12 can share a common seal, as shown in Fig. 2. In that case, it can be said that the inner frame 30 seal area includes or it comprises the seal zone 22 of the chamber part, or it can say that the chamber part seal zone 22 includes

or comprises the interior seal area 30 of the frame.

The sheets (i.e. the upper chamber sheets and lower, upper and lower frame sheets, sheets

from

top Y  from base) they can to be sealed between yes in

anyone

from the zones from seal (p. eg the zone from

seal

22 from camera, the zone from  seal 30 inside from

frame and the outer seal area 32 of the frame) by any method, such as heat sealing (e.g., conductance sealing, impulse sealing, sealing ultrasonic, dielectric sealing) or by applying a suitable adhesive (e.g., a UV curable adhesive) (not shown) between the sheets in the applicable seal area. These methods and the respective equipment are well known. by those skilled in the art.

As shown in Figure 6, it is also possible create a line of weakness 31 integrated in the seal coincident that separates the chamber part 12 from the frame 14 hollow or placed between the seal area 22 of part of chamber, and the interior seal area 30 of the frame, in the in case these two zones are separated from each other. The presence of such a line of weakness may allow the separability of the chamber part 12 containing the product 16 packed from the frame 14 inflated if desired and when desired This possibility can be especially useful, p. eg, when it is necessary for the consumer to reduce the Container size for better storage at home. In the figure 6, line of weakness 31 is shown as a jagged in zigzag integrated in a 22-30 wide matching seal separates chamber part 12 from frame 14. Therefore, breaking the teeth it is possible to separate the chamber part 12 sealed containing the product 16 of the frame part 14 that circumscribes it. In this embodiment, once separated the camera part, if desired, it is also possible to use the

shape of the edges of the teeth in zigzag as initiator of tear to easily open the container.

As shown in another embodiment shown in the Fig. 7, the package 10 includes a rack inflation step 42 fixed to the frame 14 to provide access to the interior of the hollow frame 14 to inflate the frame. Consequently, the rack inflation step 42 may be connected to one or more parts of the frame 14 and be in fluid communication with the inner space of the frame 14. An inflation passage 44 camera can be fixed to camera part 12 to provide access to the interior space of the chamber part 12 to introduce a modified atmosphere into space inside the chamber part 12.

The chamber inflation passage 44 may be connected to one or more parts of chamber part 12 and be in fluid communication with the interior space of the part of chamber 12. Examples of inflating passage 42 of frame and Inflation step 44 chamber include inflation steps sealants or unidirectional inflation valves, for example, as shown in US 6,276,532, to Sperry et al.

As shown in another preferred embodiment shown in Figure 8, the package 11 includes a chamber sheet 120 thermoformed bottom and a lower frame sheet 128 thermoforming, which can be arranged as a sheet 136 Thermoformed base. The lower chamber sheet 120 thermoformed allows to provide a configuration adapted for convenient placement or adaptation of product 16 inside the chamber part 12.

As shown in another preferred embodiment shown In Figure 9, the package 11 may include a sheet 120 of thermoformed bottom chamber and a frame sheet 128 thermoformed bottom, which can be arranged as a

sheet 136 of thermoformed base, as well as sheet 118 of thermoformed upper chamber and a frame sheet 126 corresponding thermoformed upper, which may be arranged as a sheet 134 of thermoformed lid.

The package of the present invention may be useful for packaging of food products, as well as non-food products.

When a product 16 is packaged that is stored preferably in an atmosphere other than ambient air, container 10 (11) may conveniently include an atmosphere modified 24 in the chamber part 12, so that the product 16 can be packaged in said modified atmosphere

24. A modified atmosphere can be useful, for example, for decrease the oxygen concentration with respect to that of ambient air or to increase oxygen concentration and carbon dioxide with respect to ambient air to lengthen the storage period or the color period Fresh from a packaged product. For example, when packing meat, The atmosphere of the sealed container can comprise approximately 80% by volume of oxygen and approximately 20% by volume of carbon dioxide to inhibit the growth of pernicious microorganisms and lengthen the

period

from weather that the meat conserve its coloration red

("Fresh")

attractive In the Present memory, he finished

"atmosphere

modified ” be refer to a environment from gas that

It has a modified composition with respect to that of air environment to extend the storage period, improve the appearance or reduce the degradation of a packaged product.

Examples of modified atmosphere 24 include environments of Gas having an oxygen concentration (by volume): 1) greater than about any of the following values: 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% and 90%, 2) between any of the above values (e.g., from

approximately 30% to approximately 90%), 3) no greater than about any of the following values: 15%, 10%, 5%, 1% and 0%, and 4) among any of the previous values (e.g., about 0% to approximately 15%). A modified atmosphere can also include a gas environment that has a concentration of carbon dioxide greater than about any of The following values: 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% by volume. The modified atmosphere 24 may also include quantities not environments of one or more selected gases, e.g. eg argon, nitrogen, carbon monoxide, helium and similar gases.

When a modified atmosphere 24 is used, the container according to the present invention is especially useful for the packaging of oxygen sensitive items (i.e. items that are perishable, degradable or otherwise change in the presence of oxygen). Product examples or Oxygen sensitive items include red meat (e.g., cow, veal and lamb), processed meat, pork, poultry Cote, fish, cheese and vegetables. The container 10 (11) can also include an absorbent pad (not shown) inside of the chamber part 12, for example, to absorb the substances purged from meat and / or moisture or fragrances released.

Here, "the leaves" refers to any of leaves 18 (118), 20 (120) of upper chamber and lower, sheets 26 (126), 28 (128) of upper frame e bottom, and leaves 34 (134), 36 (136) of cover and base. Any of the sheets may comprise one or more layers of thermoplastic polymeric materials, such as, by example, polyolefins, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, polyamides, polyesters, polyvinyl chlorides, ionomers and mixtures thereof.

Useful polyolefins include homo- and copolymers of ethylene and homo-and propylene copolymers. The homopolymers of ethylene include high density polyethylene (“HDPE”), a polyethylene with a density greater than 0.94 g / cm3, typically between 0.94 and 0.96 g / cm3, medium density polyethylene ("MDPE"), a polyethylene with a density typically comprised between 0.93 and 0.94 g / cm3, and low density polyethylene ("LDPE"), a polyethylene with a density of less than 0.93 g / cm3. Copolymers of ethylene include ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymers ("EAO") and ethylene / unsaturated ester copolymers (herein application, "copolymer" means a polymer derived from two

or more types of monomers, and includes terpolymers, etc.). EAOs are copolymers of ethylene and one or more alpha-olefins, the copolymer having a majority content in mole% of ethylene. The comonomer may include one or more C3-C20-olefins, such as one or more C4-Q2-olefins, preferably one or more C4-C8 olefins. Useful �-olefins include 1-butene, 1hexene, 5-methyl-1-pentene, 1-octene and mixtures thereof. EAOs include one or more of the following components: linear medium density polyethylene ("LMDPE"), for example, with a density of 0.926 to 0.94 g / cm3, linear low density polyethylene ("LLDPE"), per for example, with a density of 0.915 to 0.930 g / cm3, and very low or ultra-low density polyethylene ("VLDPE" and "ULDPE"), for example, with a density of less than 0.915 g / cm3. Unless otherwise indicated, all densities herein are measured according to ASTM D1505. Polyethylene polymers and copolymers can be heterogeneous or homogeneous. As is known in the art, heterogeneous polymers have a relatively wide variation in molecular weight and composition distribution; While

that homogeneous polymers have a relatively variation small in molecular weight and distribution of the

composition. Heterogeneous polymers can be prepared, by example, with conventional Ziegler Natta catalysts. For another

side,

the homogeneous polymers be prepare typically using

metallocene

or others catalysts of type of a only center

active.

Another useful ethylene copolymer is the copolymer of ethylene / unsaturated ester, which is the copolymer of ethylene and one or more unsaturated ester monomers. Esters Useful unsaturates include acid vinyl esters aliphatic carboxylic acids containing 4 to 12 atoms of carbon (e.g., vinyl acetate), and alkyl esters of acrylic or methacrylic acid (collectively, "alkyl (meth) acrylate ”) containing from 4 to 12 carbon atoms.

The useful propylene copolymer includes propylene / ethylene ("EPC") copolymers, which are copolymers of propylene and ethylene having a majority content by weight of propylene, such as those having an ethylene comonomer content of less than 10 %, preferably less than 6% and more preferably about 2% to 6% by weight; and propylene-ethylene-butene terpolymers (or higher propylene-ethylene-�-olefin terpolymers) having a majority content by weight of propylene, such as those having a total amount by weight of ethylene and butene (or ethylene and �-higher olefin) less than 25% by weight, preferably less than 20% by weight. In addition, propylene polymers can be heterogeneous or homogeneous.

Suitable polyamides are homo-polyamides or co- (ter- or multi-) polyamides, which can be aliphatic, aromatic or partially aromatic Homopolyamides derive from the polymerization of a single type of monomer comprising the chemical functions that are typical of polyamides, is

ie, amino and acid groups, typically being said lactam amino acid monomers, or polycondensation of two types of polyfunctional monomers, that is, polyamines with polybasic acids. On the other hand, co-, ter- and multipoliamides derive from the copolymerization of monomers precursors of at least two (three or more) polyamides different, p. eg, two different lactams, or two types of polyamines and / or polyacids, or a lactam on one side and a polyamide and a polyacid in the other. Examples of polyamides Suitable are PA 6, PA 6/66, PA 6/12, PA 6I / 6T, PA MXD6, PA MXD6 / MXDI and similar polyamides.

Examples of useful polyesters include (co) polyesters amorphous, comprising an aromatic dicarboxylic acid, e.g. eg, terephthalic acid, naphthalenedicarboxylic acid and acid isophthalic, as the main component of the acid dicarboxylic and an aliphatic glycol, e.g. eg, ethylene glycol, trimethylene glycol, tetramethylene glycol, mixed as an option with an alicyclic glycol, such as cyclohexane dimetanol, such as main component of glycol. May be preferred polyesters with at least about 75 mol%, more preferably at least about 80% in moles of terephthalic acid, based on the total dicarboxylic acid component.

As explained above, any of the sheets can be monolayer or multilayer. If a sheet is multilayer, the sheet may include one or more outer layers of a heat sealable material to facilitate heat sealing of the sheets together, as is known in the art. Such seal layer may include one or more of the polymers thermoplastics described above.

It may be advantageous that any one or more of the blades have gas barrier attributes (e.g., oxygen,

carbon dioxide) to decrease gas permeability of the sheet. Barrier attributes can be useful, for example, to increase the inflated period of the frame 14, to improve the storage period of a product 16 packaging contained within chamber part 12 that can Degrade when exposed to oxygen (e.g. red meat) and to help maintain a modified atmosphere 24 that can be contained within chamber part 12.

Therefore, any one or more of the leaves may comprise one or more materials ("barrier components") that considerably reduce the transmission speed of oxygen or carbon dioxide through the leaf and, from this mode, transmit barrier properties to the sheet. (Because that the carbon dioxide barrier properties are generally correlated with the barrier properties of oxygen, herein only described in detail the oxygen barrier properties). Examples of Barrier components include: ethylene / alcohol copolymer vinyl ("EVOH"), poly (vinyl alcohol) ("PVOH"), polymers of vinylidene chloride ("PVdC"), polyalkylene carbonate, polyester (eg, PET, PEN), polyacrylonitrile ("PAN") and polyamide. Preferred barrier materials are EVOH, PVDC, polyamides and mixtures of EVOH and polyamides.

The EVOH may have an ethylene content of between approximately 20% and 40%, preferably between about 25% and 35%, more preferably of approximately 32% by weight. EVOH may include saponified ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymers or hydrolysates, such as those with a degree of hydrolysis of at least 50%, preferably at least 85%.

Vinylidene Chloride Polymer ("PVdC") makes reference to a copolymer containing vinylidene chloride,

that is, a polymer that includes monomer units derived from vinylidene chloride (CH2 = CCl2) and units monomers derived from one or more of the components that consist of vinyl chloride, styrene, vinyl acetate, acrylonitrile and C1-C12 alkyl esters of (meth) acrylic acid

(e.g., methyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, methacrylate of methyl). As is known in the art, it is possible use one or more thermal stabilizers, plasticizers and lubrication process improvers in conjunction with the PVdC.

If a sheet is multilayer, the layer or layers of the sheet that incorporate barrier components in a sufficient quantity to significantly reduce the oxygen permeability of the sheet are considered "barrier layers". If the sheet is monolayer, the barrier components may be incorporated in the single layer of the sheet and the sheet itself can be considered a "Barrier layer".

A useful barrier layer includes those with a thickness and a composition sufficient to convey to the sheet that the barrier incorporates an oxygen transmission rate not exceeding approximately any of the following values: 150, 100, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10 and 5 cubic centimeters (at standard temperature and pressure) per square meter per day for 1 differential atmosphere of oxygen pressure, measured at a relative humidity of 0% and at 23 ° C All references to the transmission speed of oxygen of the present application are measured under those conditions according to ASTM D-3985. For example, sheets 18 (118), 20 (120) upper and lower chamber, as well as leaves 26 (126), 28

(128) upper and lower frame, can each have sufficient thickness and composition to transmit to

each of the leaves any of the speeds of oxygen transmission mentioned above.

When the modified atmosphere 24 of chamber part 12 It is oxygen free and the product 16 packaged is especially sensitive to oxygen, it can also be It is advisable to include an oxygen removal agent in the sheets 18 (118), 20 (120) of upper and / or lower chamber, in a layer closer to the packaged product than the barrier layer Of gas. The oxygen removal agent present in said layer will react with the residual oxygen that is trapped in the container or that penetrates the container despite the layer gas barrier, therefore maintaining the atmosphere modified 24 oxygen free. The use of eliminators of oxygen is described, for example, in US-5,350,622, while a general method to activate the removal process of Oxygen is described in US 5,211,875.

The sheets may have any thickness suitable for the packaging application, preferably taking into account factors such as the desired inflation pressure of the frame and / or the chamber part, the tensile strength of the sheet-shaped material, the circular tension produced by the determined inflated configuration of the frame and / or the part of camera, the amount of abuse planned for the application, if the sheets are thermoformed or not and the speed of Permeation of desired gas through the leaves. The Useful thickness ranges of the sheets include approximately 12.7 to 254 micrometers (0.5 to about 10), preferably from about 25.4 to 228.6 micrometers (1 to about 9) and more preferably about 50.8 to 203.2 micrometers (from 2 to about 8).

Any of the sheets or all of them they can have one or more of the selected characteristics of flexible, stretchable, extensible and elastic. For example, a sheet can be stretched by inflated. Preferably, the leaves have a Young's modulus sufficient to support the intended handling and use conditions. The module of Young can be measured according to one or more of the following ASTM procedures: D882; D5026-95a; D4065-89. Any of the sheets or all of them can have a module Young's at least about any of the following values: 100 MPa, 200 MPa, 300 MPa and 400 MPa, measured at 100 ° C. Young's module for the sheets too it can vary from about 70 to about 1000 MPa, and may preferably vary from about 100 to 500, measured at 100 ° C.

A

sheet or the whole from the same they can to be

oriented

in the address from the machine (is tell,

longitudinal)

or in the address cross, or in both

directions (i.e. biaxially oriented), to reduce permeability and to increase strength and durability of the sheet. For example, the sheet may be oriented by less in one direction according to any of the following ratios: at least 2.5: 1, from approximately 2.7: 1 to approximately 10: 1, at least 2.8: 1, at least 2.9: 1, at least 3.0: 1, at least 3.1: 1, at least 3.2: 1, at least 3.3: 1, at least 3.4: 1, at least 3.5: 1, at least 3.6: 1 and at least 3.7: 1.

A sheet or all of them can be heat shrinkable or non heat shrinkable. If they are heat shrinkable, the sheets may have a total free shrinkage at 85 ° C (185 ° F) of at least about any of the following values: 5%, 10%, 15%, 40%, 50%, 55%, 60% and 65%. He

Total free shrinkage at 85 ° C (185 ° F) may also be within any of the following intervals: from 40 to 150%, from 50 to 140% and from 60 to 130%. Free shrinkage total is determined by adding the percentage of free shrinkage in the machine direction (longitudinal) and the percentage of free shrinkage in the cross direction. For example, a sheet that presents a 50% free shrinkage in the transverse direction and 40% Free shrinkage in the machine direction has a total free shrinkage of 90%. It is not necessary for the sheet It shrinks in both directions. The free shrinkage of the sheet is determined by measuring the percentage of dimensional change in a 10 cm x 10 cm sheet sample when subjected to a selected heat (i.e. at an exposure temperature determined) according to ASTM D 2732. The sheets can be tempered or thermally stabilize to reduce free shrinkage slightly, substantially or totally; nevertheless a sheet will not be thermally stabilized or tempered once it has been stretched if you want the sheet to have a high level of thermal shrinkage

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the film is not heat shrinkable. When, as shown in the package 11 of Figs. 8 and 9, one or both base and cover sheets are at least partially thermoformed, said thermoformable sheets are preferably substantially non-oriented and their thickness, before the thermoforming stage, is preferably � 63.5 micrometers (2.5 ), more preferably � 76.2 micrometers (3).

One or more layers of any of the layers used in the container manufacturing of the present invention may include adequate amounts of additives, typically included for improve processability or performance of materials

thermoplastics, such as slip agents, agents antiblocking, antioxidants, fillers, dyes, pigments, crosslinking enhancers, crosslinking inhibitors, radiation stabilizers, antistatic agents and agents Similar.

In particular, when the product 16 packaged is a food product, at least sheet 18 (118) of chamber upper incorporates or has dispersed preferably effective amounts of one or more anti-fogging agents in the resin of the sheet before forming the resin on a sheet and, in the case of a multilayer sheet, in one or more of the layers of the sheet. The anti-fogging agent can also be applied as a anti-fog coating on at least one surface of the sheet. Useful anti-fogging agents and their effective amounts They are well known in the art.

Any of the sheets, for example, sheet 18 (118) of upper chamber and / or upper frame sheet 26 (126), it can be transparent to visible light to allow the consumer see the packaged product in the areas where the sheet does not support a printed image (e.g., information from labeling) In the present specification, "transparent" means that the material transmits the incident light with a dispersion negligible and with a small absorption, allowing the objects (e.g., a packaged product or a print) are visible clearly through the material under conditions of typical observation (i.e. the conditions of use provided material). In addition, any of the sheets can be opaque, colored or pigmented. For example, sheet 20

(120) lower chamber and / or frame sheet 28 (128) Bottom can be opaque, colored or pigmented to provide a fund for the product 16 packaged or for simulate the appearance of a conventional meat tray, or

to hide the presence of an absorbent pad or drops.

Useful films to form the sheets can be selected from one or more of the films described in the International Patent Application Publication No. WO 01/68363 A1, published on September 20, 2001, entitled

“Bi-Axially

East and Heat set Multilayer Thermoplastic

Film

for Packaging ”, Y in US 6,299,984, granted he 9 from

October

from 2001, titled “Heat-Shrinkable Multilayer

Thermoplastic Film ”(corresponding to EP 0 987 103 A1, published on March 22, 2000).

Another class of thermoplastic structures that has proven useful for the manufacture of a package according to the present invention, especially for the manufacture of a container such as that shown in Fig. 8 and in Fig. 9, in which one or both sheets base and cover are thermoformed (or at least partially thermoformed), it comprises laminates with an outer heat-sealing layer comprising an ethylene homo-o copolymer (e.g., LLDPE, VLDPE, ethylene-�-olefin copolymers homogeneous, LDPE, EVA, ionomers, etc.), a gas barrier layer preferably comprising EVOH and another abuse-resistant outer layer comprising polyamide, preferably a polyamide with a melting point equal to or greater than 175 ° C. The thickness of this laminate, which can be obtained by thermal lamination or by adhesive of previously formed layers or by coextrusion coating

or extrusion, is generally between 50.8 and 254 micrometers (2 and 10), preferably between 63.5 and 228.6 micrometers (2.5 and 9) and more preferably between 76.2 and 203.2 micrometers (3 and 8). The structure typically comprises one or more inner volume layers to reach thickness desired, typically of low cost polyolefins, e.g. eg

polyethylene and / or polypropylene resins. A few layers of union to improve the link between the various layers and avoid their separation may also be present if necessary or suitable.

An example of a thermoplastic film structure of special interest is the following nine layer structure with a total thickness of 150 micrometers (6 mils):

LLDPE1 / LLDPE2 / PP / PP / PP / PP / PP / EVOH / PA6

with the following partial thicknesses (µm)

13.5 / 30/6/21/15/21/6/15 / 22.5

where:

LLDPE1 is a linear low density polyethylene that

It also contains slip and anti-lock additives, used as the heat sealable layer of the structure;

LLDPE2 is linear low density polyethylene;

PP is polypropylene;

EVOH is ethylene / vinyl alcohol copolymer; Y

PA6 is Nylon 6, used as the outer layer resistant to abuse.

In one embodiment, package 10 can be shaped using a packaging machine 74 (Figure 5). Packaging machine 74 includes a core unwinding mandrel 45 that supports a roll 46 of baseband, so that the baseband 40 can be supplied to a vacuum / injection chamber 48 of gas / sealed / inflated (ie "seal chamber 48"). A cover unwinding mandrel 51 supports a roll 50 of cover band, so that the cover band 38 can also be supplied to the seal chamber 48.

The seal chamber 48 includes a chamber housing 52 upper and an opposite lower chamber housing 54. The upper and lower chamber housings are mobile one with

relative to another up to an open mode of the camera, shown in Figures 10 and 14, and even a closed camera mode, shown in Figures 11, 12 and 13. In the open mode of the chamber, the upper and lower housings are separated between yes to allow the cover and base bands 38, 40 and the product 16 enter the seal chamber 48. In the mode Closed chamber, upper and lower housing 52, 54 are next to each other to form a volume 68 camera closed.

The upper chamber housing 52 can enclose and accommodate slidingly an inner seal bar 56 and a 58 outer seal bar. Camera housing 54 bottom can support an anvil 60 seal that is opposite to the inner and outer seal bars. The bar 56 inner seal and anvil 60 seal are mobile one with respect to another between an embedded position of the inner seal bar and a disengaged position of the inner seal bar. In the embedded position of the inner seal bar, shown in Figures 12 and 13, the inner seal bar 56 and the seal anvil 60 are next to each other to define a volume 70 of inner seal chamber and a chamber volume 72 of outer seal. In the unlocked position of the bar inner seal, shown in Figure 11, bar 56 of inner seal and anvil 60 seal are separated each.

Also, the outer seal bar 58 and the anvil 60 precinct are mobile relative to each other between a embedded position of the outer seal bar and a disengaged position of the outer seal bar. In the embedded position of the outer seal bar, shown in Figure 13, the outer seal bar 58 and the anvil

60 precinct are next to each other. In the disengaged position of the outer seal bar, shown in Figures 11 and 12, the seal bar 58 outer and anvil 60 seal are separated from each other.

The seal chamber 48 includes a vacuum source 62, a modified atmosphere source 64 and a gas source 66 inflation, each of which is capable of obtaining a controlled fluid communication with the seal chamber 48, as described further below.

A cutter 76 is located downstream of the chamber of seal 48. Suitable cutters are well known in the technique and include, for example, rotary cutters, cutters, cutting blades and laser cutters.

During operation of the packaging machine 74, the base band 40 unwinds from baseband roll 46 supported by the core unwinding mandrel 45 and is supplied to the seal chamber 48. The base band 40 can be stretched by grip chains (not shown) on both sides, as is known in the art. He product 16 can be placed in the base band 40 before that the band be supplied to the seal chamber 48. The cover strip 38 unwinds from roll 50 of cover strip supported by the cover unwinding mandrel 51 and also is supplied to the seal chamber 48. Band 38 of Cap can also be stretched by grip chains (no shown) on both sides, as is known in the technique. At least a part of the cover band 38 may be placed on product 16, before or after the product 16 enters the seal chamber 48.

The cover and base bands 38, 40 on each side of the product 16 are located between camera housing 52 upper and lower chamber housing 54 while the camera

seal 48 is in the camera's open mode (Figure 10). Next, the seal chamber 48 moves to a closed mode of the camera, so that the housings 52, 54 upper and lower chamber fit, compress or tighten the cover and base bands 38, 40 between them and, in consequently, they form three closed chamber volumes essentially air tight: a chamber volume 68 upper (which is a volume on band 38), a volume 69 lower chamber (which is a volume below band 40) and an intermediate chamber volume 67 (which is a volume between bands 38 and 40 that enclose the product 16). (Figure 11) As an option, upper chamber volumes 68, 69 and bottom can be arranged in fluid communication by conduits, tubes or other suitable means, such as It is known in the art.

In the closed mode of the camera (Figure 11), it is possible apply a vacuum in intermediate chamber volume 67 enclosed to evacuate a desired amount of ambient air enclosed through the vacuum source 62. Then, it is possible to introduce a modified atmosphere of a desired composition and quantity in chamber volume 67 intermediate through the modified atmosphere source 64. The modified atmosphere can be introduced at a temperature below room temperature, so that by subsequent heating to room temperature the modified atmosphere inside chamber part 12 allows obtain a pressure higher than the ambient pressure.

It may be desirable to maintain a balance of strength in the upper and lower bands (i.e. avoid inflating the intermediate chamber volume 67) when entering the atmosphere modified in volume 67 of intermediate chamber. For it, it is possible to increase the pressure in volumes 68, 69 of

upper and lower chamber by introducing a gas (e.g. gas or a modified atmosphere) in those chamber volumes at introduce the modified atmosphere in chamber volume 67 intermediate.

Subsequently, the inner seal bar 56 and the anvil 60 seal move to the embedded position of the inner seal bar (Fig. 12) to compress the bands 38, 40 of cover and base between them and also to define the volume 70 of inner seal chamber, the volume 72 of outer seal chamber and volume 73 of frame (between the cover and base bands). The bar of inner seal is heated to an effective temperature to heat the bands together in the seal area 22 of camera (see Figure 2). By doing this, chamber part 12 is shaped, enclosing the modified atmosphere 24 and the product 16 (see Figure 2).

Next, an inflation gas is introduced into the frame volume 73 through gas source 66 of inflated. Suitable inflation gas includes, for example, air, nitrogen or a modified atmosphere (including a modified atmosphere that has the same composition as the introduced through the modified atmosphere source 64, as described above). An amount is added of inflation gas to raise the pressure within volume 73 frame up to a desired amount, for example, a pressure gauge (where "pressure gauge" is the pressure difference between system and pressure atmospheric) of at least about any of the following values: 0.1; 0.2; 0.3; 0.4; 0.5; 0.6; 0.8 and 1 bar; a pressure gauge of less than about 2 bar; Y a pressure gauge between any of the values above (e.g., approximately 0.2 bar at

about 0.8 bar, and about 0.3 bar at approximately 2 bar).

It may also be desirable to maintain a balance of force in the upper and lower bands (i.e. avoid the premature inflation of frame volume 73) when the Inflation gas in frame volume 73. To do this, it is possible to increase the pressure in chamber volume 72 outer seal by introducing an inflation gas into that chamber volume when the inflation gas is introduced into the frame volume 73.

Referring to Figure 13, bar 58 of outer seal and anvil 60 seal move up the fitted position of the outer seal bar (Fig. 13) to compress the cover and base bands 38, 40 between the same. The outer seal bar is heated to an effective temperature to heat the bands together in the outer frame 32 seal area (see Figure 2). To the To do this, the hollow frame 14 is shaped, enclosing high pressure inflation gas.

Next, the volumes 70, 72 of the seal chamber indoor and outdoor and lower chamber volume 69 can be vented to recover ambient pressure before open the camera. Then, the upper chamber housings e bottom return to camera open mode, with bar 56 of inner seal and anvil 60 seal in position disengaged and the outer seal bar 58 and the anvil 60 seal in the disengaged position, as shown in Figure 14.

When exposed to ambient pressure, frame 14 adopts an inflated state, because the pressure inside the frame 14 is higher than the ambient pressure. By adopting a been inflated, frame 14 tries to move away from the part of

camera 12 pulling it, therefore creating a tension that provides certain stiffness or toughness to the container 10 and to chamber part 12 (which contains the atmosphere modified) with respect to the state in which the frame 14 does not It is inflated. The pressure inside the frame 14 can be any of the pressures mentioned above with with respect to the pressure within chamber volume 72 of outer seal.

The cover and base bands can be indexed towards in front so that the cutter 76 (Figure 5) can cut the bands to release the container 10. The cutter can cut the bands, for example, by butt or die cuts, such as is known in the art. Although cutter 76 shown in Figure 5 it is located downstream of the chamber of seal 48, alternatively, the cutter may be located just upstream of the seal chamber 48. The Packaging machine 74 can operate indexed and / or essentially continuous to produce numerous containers 10 to from the cover and base strip rolls.

As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the manufacture of a container 11 in which one or both cover and base sheets are thermoformed means the use of at least one thermoforming station for thermoforming a part of the base band 40 upstream of the point at which the product 16 is placed in the band and / or the cover band 30 upstream of the vacuum chamber 48. The stations of thermoforming and thermoforming methods are fine known in the art and include vacuum forming positive or negative and compressed air positive or negative, any of the themselves with or without mechanical prior stretching and with or without the Positive molds help. For example, it is possible to modify

the packaging machine shown in Figure 5 to include a thermoforming station, such as that represented by the thermoforming station 80 (Figure 15), which has a mold 82 and a positive mold 84 opposite cooperating to shape the baseband in a desired shape, such as the shape of sheet 136 of thermoformed base (which, in the Figure 8, includes lower chamber sheet 120 thermoforming and lower frame sheet 128 thermoforming). Another example of a station suitable thermoforming is represented by the station thermoforming 86 (Figure 16), which has a mold 88 of conformation, an opposite hot plate 90 and cameras 92, 94 upper and lower that enclose them. The station of thermoforming 86 can also be used to form the base band in a desired shape, such as the shape of the sheet 136 of thermoformed base (Figure 8). The band 40 of base can conform to a series of tray shapes that they have edges to facilitate the sealing of the band 38 of cover to the base band 40. The lower frame sheet can to be or not to be thermoformed. Alternatively, only the frame sheets, the frame sheets lower and / or higher, may be thermoformed, not The camera sheets are.

In another preferred embodiment, the container 10 (11) may be formed using the packaging machine represented schematically in Fig. 17 and indicated as 100.

In said Figure, 101 is the unwinding station for the baseband roll, while 102 is the station of

unwound

for he roll from band from top. 103 Y 104

identify

two seasons from thermoforming separated that

may be excluded if neither the base nor the lid should

be

thermoformed, or that can be operated in a way

separate and independent to at least thermoforming partially only the base band 40 or only the cover band 38, or both base and cover bands.

When at least one of the base and cover bands is thermoformed, a preferred thermoforming profile It is the one indicated in Fig. 18 for a base band. In bliss Fig. 18, 136 is the thermoformed base sheet in its set, 128 is the thermoformed lower frame sheet, 109 is the outermost edge of frame sheet 128 thermoformed bottom, 120 is the bottom chamber sheet thermoforming and 110 is the edge that separates sheet 128 of thermoformed bottom frame of chamber sheet 120 thermoformed bottom. In said Figure 18, 120, 128 and 136 correspond to the items identified with them numerals on container 11 of Figures 8 and 9, and 109 and 110 are correspond to the same numerals of the plan view of the thermoformed band of Figure 19.

105 is the station where product 16 is placed properly in the baseband. When the base band 40 is thermoformed, p. eg, as in the realization of the Fig. 18, product 16 is loaded in the lower chamber sheet thermoforming

The base band 40 loaded with product 16 and the band 38 corresponding cover then advance to a chamber of vacuum / gas injection / sealing, indicated schematically by Numeral 106 ("first chamber"). Said first chamber 106 differs from chamber 48 described above essentially because it does not include a source of inflation gas.

If desired, in said first chamber 106 it is possible apply vacuum inside chamber part 12, through a vacuum source 162, and enter as an option in it a properly modified atmosphere 24, through a source

164 modified atmosphere. Then the seal bars and the seal anvils move to the embedded position, in a single stage or in two separate stages, performing all seals of the final 10 (11) container, that is, the outer frame seal 32, the inner seal 30 of frame and chamber part 22 seal. The container intermediate thus obtained, in which the product 16 is sealed inside chamber part 12, under vacuum or under the desired atmosphere, modified as an option, and the part of frame 14 is sealed but not yet inflated, then goes to a second cutting / inflating chamber 107 ("second camera"). In said second chamber 107, the bands are cut by means of suitable cutters to separate the container individual intermediate, and then the frame part 14 is inflates by introducing the desired gas through a hole 108 which may be located on the sheet 26 (126) of the frame top or bottom sheet 28 (128). One time the frame part 14 is inflated, the hole 108 is closes or separates in any way from the frame part 14 inflated, p. e.g., by heat sealing, before the packaging finally leave said second chamber 107.

Preferably, the hole 108 is created in one of the thermoforming stations 103 and 104, at the station load 105 or in a separate dedicated station that may be placed between thermoforming and charging stations of the product.

Figure 19 represents a plan view of a band Thermoformed base properly entering the station of load 105. In said Figure 19, 108 is the hole that is will use to inflate frame part 14 in chamber 107 of cut / inflated, and double lines 109 and 110 are the edges of thermoformed parts (correspondence with the profile

of Figure 18 is indicated by the use thereof numerals). The band also contains slits 111 cut through the band that are used for the stages Optional vacuum application and introduction of the modified atmosphere 24. Preferably, said slits 111 are cut through the band in the shape of a cross, as shown in Figure 19. The base band 40 loaded with product 16 advances to a first camera 106, where it is placed so that the slits 111 are located immediately on a matrix that it contains holes that are connected through a duct placed under the grooves to source 162 of empty. Once the first vacuum chamber 106 closes, holding the base and cover bands inside, it is possible to apply vacuum through said conduit, and the edges of the slits 111, indicated in Figure 19 as 111a, 111b, 111c and 111d, are shifted down against the side inside the duct to enlarge the air passage. For prevent the cover strip 38 from folding over the base 40 due to the application of vacuum in the space between them, vacuum is also applied from the top of the chamber vacuum to keep the lid band elevated above the band 40 base. This can be done using a source 162 of different vacuum or the same, as shown schematically in Figure 17. After applying vacuum, injects the desired modified atmosphere 24 into the first chamber 106, through the same slits 111, excluding vacuum source 162 and operating atmosphere source 164 modified Once the gas pressure forced up to through the slits 111 in the vacuum chamber has reached the desired value, the sealing mechanism within the chamber is arranged to seal the containers individually along the closed seal lines

32, 30 and 22, between the base band 40 and the cover band 38, excluding slits 111 and leaving hole 108 inside of the frame part 14. Referring to Figure 19, said closed lines will preferably correspond with double lines 109 and 110.

Then, the first chamber 106 opens and the bands sealed advance to the second chamber 107, where some suitable cutters cut the sealed bands to release the individual container. Then, air is introduced or any other desired gas in frame part 14 through of a suitable nozzle in correspondence with the hole 108, connected to a source 166 of inflation gas. For keep the hole 108 in correspondence with the nozzle, It is possible to properly use a hollow pressure device. Referring to the specific embodiment shown in the Figure 19, in which the hole 108 communicates with the part of frame 14 through a step 112, this should be achieved in fact without compressing step 112 not sealed, which should be free to allow inflation of the frame part

14. Alternatively, it is possible to enter the hole 108 a small and flexible tube, still connected to the source 166 of inflation gas, and use it to inflate the part of frame 14. When using a small tube, it is also possible connect it to a suitable pump and tank and inflate and, therefore, stiffen the frame part 14 with any fluid, including liquids, such as water and solutions aqueous, and fluid powders. As soon as the frame part 14 is inflated as desired, hole 108 is closed and / or communication between the

hole 108 and frame part 14 closes while the container still in the cutting / inflating chamber 107. This can

achieved by any means, such as for example applying a barrier label over the hole, heat sealing the top sheet to the bottom sheet of the container in an area that includes at least hole 108 and that is larger than the hole, or by a seal line closed around the hole to remove any communication between hole 108 and frame part 14. Referring to Figure 19, hole 108 may preferably close by heat sealing step 112 or heat sealing the top sheet to the bottom sheet throughout the area around hole 108, delimited in said Figure by double lines and by step 112.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the atmosphere modified 24 is introduced into chamber 12 by step 44 of chamber inflation, which is sealed or otherwise closed to continuation. The frame 14 is inflated by introducing a gas of inflation or the desired fluid through the inflating step 42 of frame, which is sealed or otherwise closed to continuation.

The end user can open the container 10 (11), by example, by cutting the upper chamber sheet 18 (118) to get access to product 16. After removing the product 16, the inflated frame 14 can be punctured to deflate it or Step 42, if it exists, can be opened. Then, container 10 (11) Deflation is ready for recycling.

However, the new package according to the present invention it can be equipped with easy opening features that they can help the end user to open the container, and especially the chamber part 12, without resorting to the use of cutting or puncture tools.

In Figs. 20a, b and c show examples of easy opening features applied in the new container.

As shown in Figure 20a, sheet 20 (120) of lower chamber or, preferably, chamber sheet 18 (118) superior, you can present a line of weakness 113 that can be, p. e.g., a through, continuous or discontinuous cut, or a line in which the thickness of the band is reduced so that a slight pressure to break the film, covered by a 114 adhesive label that has a tongue (114a) not integral adhesive to it to detach it easily when desired by holding said tongue adhesive with the fingers, detaching it and leaving therefore the line of weakness exposed.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 20b, the upper chamber sheet 18 (118) is fixed to its outer surface a tongue 115 made of material resilient comprising weakness lines 116 that define a cutter 117 capable of puncturing sheet 18 (118) of upper chamber when pressed against it. To open the container, the user lifts the tongue and folds, breaks or tear the lines of weakness 116 to expose the cutting edge of cutter 117, which is then pressed against the upper chamber blade to prick it. Also in this case, alternatively, the opening feature Easy can be placed on the camera sheet 20 (120) lower, even if it is clearly more visible to the user if it is placed on the upper chamber sheet.

In Figure 20c, a preferred embodiment of the invention in which a tear groove is created, in form of continuous or discontinuous cutting, in an area of the juxtaposed lid and base sheets, isolated from the part of

frame 14 and adjacent to chamber seal area 22, said slit being almost perpendicular to the seal 22 of camera. The package shown in said Figure can be obtained conveniently using the packaging machine 100 of the Figure 17 and the process shown above, where the part of frame 14 is inflated through a hole 108 and then excludes communication between frame part 14 and the hole 108 heat sealing step 112 or heat sealing between yes the cover and base sheets throughout the area around said hole, which is delimited by the double lines and by step 112. Said area is identified in Figure 20c with numeral 200. Along the border of zone 200 in contact with the inner seal area 30 of the frame is present a toothed 201, and zone 200 is divided into two parts for a second toothed 202, almost perpendicular to the chamber seal area 22. Therefore exercising pressure on this area, it is possible to break the teeth 201 and 202 and separate the two fins 200a and 200b created in this way, easily opening the chamber part 12. So alternative, instead of toothed lines, it is possible to provide cuts through the upper and lower bands.

The above descriptions are those of embodiments Preferred of the invention. It is possible to perform several alterations and changes without departing from the most aspects of the invention defined in the claims, which will be interpreted according to the principles of the patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents. Except in the claims and in specific examples, or in cases expressly stated otherwise, all numerical quantities of this description that indicate quantities of material, reaction conditions, conditions of use, molecular weights and / or numbers of carbon atoms and similar, will be understood as modified by the word

"Approximately" in describing the broader scope of the invention. Any reference to an article of the description or to an element of the singular claim, using the articles "one", "a", "the" or "said", I don't know

5 will consider a limitation of the article or element to singular, unless expressly specified. All references to the ASTM tests are to the version of the ASTM test currently approved and most recently published, in the time of the date of submission of this application.

10

Claims (21)

1. Package (10) to contain a product (16), comprising the container: opposite flexible upper chamber sheets (18, 20) and lower sealed to each other in a seal area (22) of camera selected to define a camera part (12) waterproof that is capable of containing the product; Y a hollow frame (14) that circumscribes the chamber part and adapted to support the camera part when the frame It is inflated. 2. Container (10) of claim 1, wherein the frame (14) comprises flexible frame sheets (18, 20) opposite upper and lower sealed each other in an area outer seal (32) of selected frame next to perimeter of the frame and in an interior seal area (30) of selected frame next to the camera part. 3. Container (10) of claim 2, wherein: a cover sheet (18) comprises the upper frame sheet and the upper chamber blade; a base sheet (20) comprises the lower frame sheet and the lower chamber blade; Y the cover and base sheets extend continuously from the frame (14) to the chamber part (12). 4. Package (10) of any of claims 2 and 3, in the one who: a cover sheet (18) comprises the upper frame sheet and the upper chamber sheet, where the cover sheet is formed from a cover strip; Y a base sheet (20) comprises the lower frame sheet and the lower chamber blade, where the base sheet is formed from a band of base. 5. Package (10) of any of claims 3 and 4, in the one who: the cover sheet (18) is sealed to the base sheet (20) in the outer seal area (32) of the frame and in the area of inner frame seal (30); Y the interior seal area of the frame is coincident with the chamber seal zone (22).

6.

Package (10) of any of claims 2 to 5, in which leaves (18, 20) of upper and lower frame they are heat sealed to each other in the outer seal zone (32) of frame.

7.

Package of any of claims 3 to 6, which comprises a line of weakness (31) that extends continuously between the inner seal zone (30) of frame and chamber seal area (22) to allow separability of the chamber part (12) from the frame (14).

8.

Package (10) of any of claims 2 to 7, which additionally comprises a tear groove (123) in form of continuous or discontinuous cutting, created in an area of juxtaposed lid and base sheets (18, 20), isolated from the frame part (14) and adjacent to the seal area (22) of chamber, said slit being practically perpendicular to the camera seal.

9.

Package (10) of any of the claims above, in which the upper chamber sheets (18, 20) and lower each have a transmission speed of oxygen less than about 150 cubic centimeters (a standard temperature and pressure) per square meter per day per 1

oxygen pressure differential atmosphere, measured at a relative humidity of 0% and at 23 ° C.

10.

Package (10) of any of the preceding claims, in which the upper and lower frame sheets (18, 20) they each have an oxygen transmission rate less than about 150 cubic centimeters (a standard temperature and pressure) per square meter per day per 1 atmosphere of oxygen pressure differential, measured at

relative humidity of 0% and at 23 ° C.

11.Packaging

(10) from anyone from the vindicated cations

previous

that understands further a He passed from inflated

(42) frame

 to inflate the frame.

12.Packaging

(10) from anyone from the relived ndictions

previous

that understands further a He passed from inflated

(44) of chamber to introduce a modified atmosphere in the camera part. 13. Package (10) of any of the claims above, which additionally comprises an atmosphere modified in the chamber part (12). 14.Packaging of any of the preceding claims, in which the frame (14) is inflated to a pressure higher than the ambient pressure. 15.Packaging of any of the preceding claims, in which the frame (14) is inflated to a pressure gauge of at least about 0.2 bar. 16.Packaged product, comprising: the package (10) of any of the claims previous; Y a product (16) inside the chamber part (12). 17. Packaging process, comprising: provide a base band comprising a material in flexible sheet shape (20); place a product (16) on the baseband; place a cover strip on the product comprising a flexible sheet-shaped material (18); seal the cover band to the base band in an area of chamber seal (22) selected to form a part of chamber (12) that encloses the product; Y seal the cover band to the base band in one or more frame seal areas (30, 32) selected for form a hollow frame (14) that circumscribes the part of camera and adapted to support the camera part when the frame is inflated. 18. Process of claim 17, comprising additionally bend at least a part of the band of base on the product (16) to form the cover strip. 19.Process of any of claims 17 and 18, in the one that at least one of the precinct zones (30, 32) of Selected frame is coincident with the seal area (22) of selected camera. 20.Process of any of claims 17 to 19, in which the sealing of the cover band to the base band in the seal area (22) of selected chamber forms a part of chamber (12) that encloses a modified atmosphere within The camera part. 21. Process of any of claims 17 to 20, in which the sealing of the cover band to the base band in one or more rack seal areas (30, 32) selected forms the hollow frame (14) that encloses gas at a pressure higher than the ambient pressure. 22. Process of any of claims 17 to 21, which further comprises introducing a modified atmosphere in the chamber part (12). 23.Process of any of claims 17 to 22, which 5 further comprises inflating the hollow frame (14). 24.Process of any of claims 17 to 23, which additionally comprises thermoforming at least one part of the baseband in a desired setting before place the product (16) on the base band. 25. Process of any of claims 17 to 24, which additionally comprises thermoforming at least one part of the cover strip in a desired configuration before place it on the product (16).